Former Shrewsbury School pupil John Peel has been named in a list of the nation’s top unsung heroes, according to a study published today.

The late but much-loved DJ, who championed pioneering pop music, was named alongside graffiti artist Banksy, comedy TV character Baldrick and the joint founder of Marks & Spencer in a 50-strong list to mark the 15th anniversary on Thursday of the National Lottery, which has raised £23 billion for communities across the country.

Sir Matthew Pinsent, National Lottery ambassador and Olympic champion, said: “The Lottery has changed the face of the UK over the past 15 years, and players have become the world’s biggest unsung heroes – raising about £25 million each week for fantastic projects.”

A list of 50 unsung heroes was drawn up after a survey of 2,000 people, with the top 10 including 19th century scientist Michael Faraday, Peter Pan author JM Barrie and Percy Shaw, who invented the cat’s eye.

The 10 key figures

1. Michael Faraday — discovery of electromagnetic induction in 1831.
2. JM Barrie — author of Peter Pan.
3. Edward Jenner — who pioneered the vaccine for smallpox.
4. John Peel — the longest serving of the original Radio One DJs.
5. Alan Turing — mathematician.
6. Baldrick —character in series Blackadder.
7. Midge Ure — singer and songwriter.
8. Percy Shaw — who invented the cat’s eye.
9. Tim Berners-Lee — scientist who invented the World Wide Web.
10. Fred Scott — cameraman who brought the Middle East conflict into the homes of millions.